3 Inexpensive Ways To Increase The Efficiency Of Your Old Windows

Dealing with high energy bills as a result of older, low efficiency windows can be frustrating. Your first instinct may be to have replacement windows installed, which can be a great option if you have thousands of dollars (or more) to drop on such a major home improvement. If you're like many homeowners, however, you might be interested in exploring some more affordable ways to increase energy efficiency until you're able to more comfortably afford to have brand new windows installed.

Apply Window Putty

One of the cheapest options you can utilize for increasing the efficiency of your existing windows is to apply some window putty the the problem areas on your windows. This putty is designed to fill small cracks and gaps that cause window drafts, effectively sealing these areas and being impermeable to both air and water. Window putty costs just a few dollars at most home improvement stores and is relatively easy to apply. Some homeowners will even remove their window panes and apply putty around the edges before putting them back into place as a means of improving the seal and thus increasing efficiency further.

Install Window Films

There are also plenty of temporary and permanent window films available that homeowners can easily install over their existing windows. These are excellent for improving efficiency year-round without spending significant money in the process. Essentially, this film is adhesive and can be cut to fit any window pane. The temporary type is less effective in terms of efficiency but can be easily removed without leaving any residue, whereas the permanent films are more energy efficient but can be difficult to remove. Either way, window films are a great and cheap way to reduce drafts and cut down on energy costs in your home.

Try Exterior Roller Shades

Finally, don't rule out the possibility of having exterior roller shades installed on each of your home's windows. These rollers can actually add a lot of value to your home in addition to saving you on your energy costs. Plus, they come in a variety of styles and designs, so you can choose rollers that will add to your home's curb appeal. Exterior rollers are ideal for keeping costs down during the summer months because they do a great job of reflecting heat away from the windows themselves, but they're also effective at better insulating your home during all months of the year.

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